Esther C. Moore

Esther Coleman Moore
 July 26, 1926 – August 5, 2025

Esther Coleman Moore, 99, passed away peacefully in her Albany home on August 5, 2025. She was born on July 26, 1926, in Virginia to Alfred and Georgia Coleman. After leaving her home state, Esther relocated to upstate New York and made Albany her permanent home. There, she built a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Reverend Arthur T. Moore, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage before his passing.

Esther earned a Bachelor’s degree in Reading from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and later went on to earn her Master’s degree in Reading from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She dedicated her life to educating young minds, teaching elementary students in the Albany City School District for 35 years, and leaving a lasting impact on both her students and her colleagues. After retiring in the early 1990s, she continued to serve her community by volunteering in her daughter’s Pre-K classroom at the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP), where her passion for children and learning never wavered.

Esther was deeply committed to community service and proudly served for over 50 years in the MC Lawton Civic and Cultural Club—the first Black civic organization in Albany devoted to service, education, and culture. She held numerous leadership roles throughout her tenure, including secretary, treasurer, and historian, and was a guiding presence in its growth and impact.

A woman of deep faith, Esther was a devoted Christian and long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was loved and respected by many in the congregation for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.
Esther also found great joy in traveling during her younger years, entertaining family and friends, and sharing her clever wit and humorous stories. She had a warm, vibrant spirit and always made people feel welcome in her presence.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Donna Brown; son-in-law, Andrew Brown; and granddaughter, Natalie Brown. She also leaves behind her cherished sisters, Aretha Liverpool and Margie Brazile, and a host of extended family and lifelong friends who will miss her deeply.

Esther’s life was a testament to the power of education, service, family, and faith. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

A Service will be held in her honor. Flowers are welcome, and donations may also be made in Esther’s memory to the American Heart Association.

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